Suggestions regarding clothing and equipment
The best advice for protecting from the cold is to dress in "layers"; that is, to use different layers of clothing, preferring those that enable:
Breathing: expelling the humidity caused by sweating.
Insulation: keeping in the warm air our body generates.
Weatherproof protection: breaking the wind and preventing water or snow from soaking our clothes.
Wearing several layers of clothes keeps warmth in better than one thick layer, and it is also more practical because it is possible to control body temperature by adding or eliminating layers. Bear in mind that clothes do not generate heat by themselves; they only retain or eliminate it.
First layer
Underwear keeps away from our skin steam from sweat, maintaining our body dry and warm. Long underwear is advisable (underpants and shirt). It could be made of polypropylene or capylene, since synthetic fabrics work well. Cotton is not recommended.
Second layer
The second layer goes on the underwear and is the layer that keeps the body warm. Polar linings work well here because they are lighter and warmer than wool.
Trousers with side zippers are advisable to ensure simple dressing and good ventilation.
Third layer
Finally comes the protection. A good quality waterproof jacket that allows breathing (Goretex or Ultrex) would be ideal. Let us not forget that it must have a hood. The trousers must have the same characteristics and should have zippers on the sides.
Now it is the turn of the limbs, which are the ones that suffer most and the first to freeze:
Head
Through the head is lost 30% of body heat, and this is easily prevented by wearing:
A cap or hat
neckerchief
polypropylene or capylene balaclava
wool or polar hat
front torch (spare bulb and batteries)
sunglasses 100 UV protection with lateral covers. Always carry an extra pair.
Hands
For weather conditions such as these, wear mittens (due to the air chamber they form inside) or else very good gloves. Since wearing gloves is uncomfortable, it is advisable to wear thin gloves and on top of these thicker polar gloves. In this way the hands will be protected from the cold and free to work.
Ski poles are essential to save energy. It is necessary to carry one in each hand and not too high; otherwise, the hands get cold faster. The angle has to be slightly above 90 degrees.
Feet
Let us remember that feet are the only means of locomotion; therefore, it is necessary to wear comfortable shoes, tried before the expedition. The necessary footwear is:
Trekking gear
plastic double boots
leggings -warm socks (3 pairs): use synthetic fabric for cold weather
thin socks (2 pairs): use nylon or polypropylene for first skin
very warm sleeping socks.
For the camp
A backpack of at least 70 liters with pick holder and a place to fix the crampons.
Another optional small backpack for the summit run or for touring the area.
Sleeping bag for at least -18º C (0º F) with insulating mattress (neoprene)
Pocket knife
two-liter bottles of water
one-liter thermos
sunscreen: minimum SPF 30- chapstick with sunscreen
First aid kit
Down jacket
Kitchen utensils
Gas or benzene heater
high mountain tent
Candles to see inside the tent.
For the Polish Glacier
Ice pick, short tool
harness, preferably with adjustable legs
Climbing helmet
Snap hooks: two safety and two regular
3 meters of 5-6 millimeter string.
Extra equipment
Large haul bag to carry all the equipment. Mules can not transport weight over 30 kilograms on each side. If the bag is heavier than 30 kilos, then its contents should be split into two. It is advisable to carry a safety padlock.
Plastic bags to keep clothes and for waste disposal
small hygiene bag
photo camera (optional but advisable)
cotton shirts (2)
watch
toilet paper
paper an pencil
sewing kit
Duct tape
lighter and matches
mirror
whistle.
| Summary of recommended equipment | |
| Waterproof jacket waterproof trousers polar trousers polar jacket undershirt underpants inner gloves polar gloves mittens balaclava Down jacket inner socks warm socks trekking boots pair of double shoes pair of sunglasses (an extra pair) kitchen utensils personal hygiene elements high mountain tent ski poles short-shafted ice ax crampons leggings thermos pocket knife hat sunscreen |
photo camera neckerchief polar hat torch warm socks 70 liter backpack small backpack sleeping bag insulation water bottle first-aid kit chapstick with sunscreen ice pick snap hooks strings haul bag plastic bags cotton shirts (2) watch toilet paper paper and pencil sewing kit duct-tape lighter and matches mirror whistle |
